SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – Imagine your child is given a grilled cheese sandwich at daycare that causes a fatal food allergic reaction.
It happened to one Allentown parent. He’s turned his painful loss into a project and an advocacy effort that spreads awareness about food allergies.
Thomas Silvera joined 69 News at Sunrise Wednesday morning.
Elijah-Alavi experienced the food allergy to cheese.
After that incident, Silvera helped create the Elijah-Alavi Foundation in honor of his son. The foundation’s website says it elevates food allergy and asthma awareness through comprehensive training, educational research, community outreach, and advocacy.
The organization provides those with allergic reactions resources and tools and gives them a safe space, Silvera said.
A new film, “May Contain: My Life,” that shares Elijah’s story, premieres at AMC Theatres this week. The film focuses on the experiences of someone dealing with food allergies.
He’s also written a graphic novel about food allergies, “The Anaphylaxis Strike!” Another book, “Elijah Builds A Park,” is coming out in August. It tells the story of Elijah, and his food allergies.
And there’s even a day on the calendar to remember Elijah nationally.
Is there anything parents can do to find out immediately if their child has a food allergy? If a child has a reaction, you can visit a pediatrician so they can follow up and get testing done. Parents and children can then go to a specialist to get diagnosed.